Age Of Silence | ‘Complications’

Even by the standards of the other bands with whom these protagonists are involved (namely Arcturus, Winds and Solefald), the pretence exhibited by this band’s website and bio only narrowly escapes the ludicrous. In an age where extreme metal seems to have explored every conceptual avenue in order to find a new relevance, the last straw had to be Postmodern Consumerism Metal. And so here it is.

Solefald have been doing off the wall stuff like this for years, admittedly, and with much more conceptual punch. But as it was mentioned in the review of their last cd in these pages, someone has to try; and at least it’s something different. This deceptively short three track EP betters their confused and slightly incoherent debut by several miles.

Time has afforded them more of a chance to gel, and the results may be heard in the brilliant new flow in their music. Lazare’s vocals are as compelling as ever, retaining those signature tones we know and love from his day job while adding a bit more bite than usual.

But most crucially of all, the songs are now all here. Moving from riff to riff now with a much greater purpose and clarity, the more straightforward nature of these (still highly engrossing) songs reaps massive rewards. We can now expect some killer things on the next album, because this great EP boasts an improved awareness across the board. Great, leftfield stuff that even reminds of the magisterial Ved Buens Ende at times. No more compliment need be given.

4.1 / 5 – Earl Grey ::: 31/10/05